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K. Pierson Obituary
Dr. K. Kendall Pierson, 79 years old, of Gainesville, FL died Wednesday, March 24, 2010 from complications of sub-dural hematoma at the Palliative Care Unite of the VA hospital-having been transferred there from Shands Hospital. He was born on August 11, 1930 in Idaho Falls, ID to George and Eily Pierson. He was predeceased by his younger sister, Rosalind Pierson in 2005.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Margery T. Pierson and daughters, Cynthia (Jonathan) Austin of Lexington, KY and Pamela (Ron) Portz of Woodinville, WA and six grandchildren: Jasher, Jadon, Zion and Gracyn Austin and Elijah and Sammy Portz.
He graduated from the University of Utah in Theatre, TV and radio and got his MD from New York University Medical Center in Manhattan, NY. He served in the Korean War in Hokaido, Japan as a medical service officer. He spent the majority of his career in Pathology at the University of Florida Medical School beginning in 1968. He was Chief of Staff at Shands from 1976-1979.
He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, having served 3 service and teaching missions with his wife and had been an active participant at the Gainesville Community Playhouse. He had a great passion for education, family, flying, cooking and theatre.
A Memorial service will be held for Dr. Pierson on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at the Mormon Church at NW 16th Blvd and NW 38th Street at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Humanitarian Fund (for worldwide disaster relief) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. www.lds.org/emergency .
The family requests written remembrances of Kendall to be sent to Pamela at her facebook account or given to the family at the service for a book to be given to the grandchildren. The family owes a debt of deep gratitude to Shands for the excellent care and for the comfort, peace and support from the staff at the Palliative Care Unit.
Arrangements are entrusted to Forest Meadows Funeral Home, Cemeteries and Crematory. Please sign our guestbook at www.forestmeadowsfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for K. Pierson
5 Entries
Diana Cranney
April 7, 2010
Dear Marge,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Cindy, Pam and their families at this time. He has done so many great things for people through the years. I hadn't realized he had been sick for many years. His story about his plane crash has always stayed with me: after the wreck he got up and out of the plane, went home, took a shower and then went to the hospital! Bless you, Love, Diana Cranney
Susie Barnum
April 4, 2010
My heart aches for your loss and everyone who was lucky enough to have known this very special man. He will be forever in our hearts.
Angela Carrier (Shands Nurse)
March 29, 2010
Margery, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. Ken was such a wonderfully joyful patient to care for all these years; often bringing many smiles to my seemingly woesome work days. He will be sorely missed but always just a distant memory. May God surround and comfort you during this time.
bill brotherton
March 28, 2010
To the Pierson Family. Our dear friend has passed, Ken played a huge part in my life as a friend, as the kind man who guided my cancer tratment and as a flyiing buddy. I met him glider flying at Rudy's, He was the tow pilot, ride giver, helping hand alway with a kind word and quick joke. He was a joy to to be around , uplifting everybody with his antics and dry humor. If I ever grow up I could only hope to be half of this kind of man. Ken, I bet there is good lift up there, fly high.
With sincere condolences.
We are deminshed
Bill & Marceile Brotherton
Mary Rife
March 26, 2010
To the Pierson Family:
My heart goes out to you during this sad parting. Although you know you will eventually be together again, it still hurts to be without his wonderful wit and wisdom. I worked for Dr. Pierson at Shands as his secretary. He was a wonderful boss and I loved his sense of humor. He came in one day with a bruise on his forehead and I asked him what happened. He said he walked into his airplane wing. He said it seemed like a good idea at the time. He always made me laugh. Everyone loved working with him.
My Sincere Condolences, Mary Sue Rife
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Forest Meadows Funeral Home - Gainesville725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609
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